October Newsletter!

This is going to be a big month for Tacoma LNG, with comment trainings, teach-ins, and a public hearing that could kill the project. But before we get to all that, it’s our last chance to say:

YES ON 1631

We’re not going to lie: We’re in the fight of our lives here—and it could go either way. Big Oil has already spent over $21 million against us, making their disinformation campaign against I-1631 the most expensive political campaign in Washington state history. It really is going to take all of us to overcome that kind of money.

Now is the time for Washingtonians who care about clean air, clean water, and climate justice to step up. Now is the time to put other things aside, hobbies and work, and get out there knocking on doors, making phone calls, and talking to voters. Here are four things that you can do to help us beat Big Oil this November:

With less than 30 days to go until the election, now is the time to get involved and help pass 1631.

TIME FOR ACTION ON TACOMA LNG

October is a huge month for the fight against Puget Sound Energy’s (PSE) proposed Tacoma LNG project! This project violates Puyallup treaty rights and would lock us into decades of continued fossil fuel dependence. This LNG facility will cause health issues at British Columbia extraction sites, as well as from toxic facility emissions here in our local Salish Sea region. It poses a physical threat to thousands in the event of an accident or natural disaster, with a huge chunk of the bill being paid for by residential PSE customers even though the main stated purpose of the project is fueling commercial vessels.

All hands on deck for a public hearing on the afternoon & evening of Tuesday, October 30th in Tacoma.The Puget Sound Clean Air Agency (PSCAA) holds the power to approve or deny the last major permit for this project. They ordered a Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement (SEIS) be done concerning air emissions from extraction to point of burning. We need massive public turnout to help the PSCAA make bold choices that protect our future.

Help us spread awareness about the hearing to neighborhoods in the danger zone of this project! We’ll be ringing doorbells and collecting comments. No need to be an expert about the LNG – we’ll make sure you’re prepared before we head out!

Or contact Mary to arrange a presentation for your group or organization.

BUT WAIT, THERE’S MORE!

Treaties should be honored
Construction of this project should be halted while permit and legal issues are being resolved. Call Gov. Inslee and urge him to take his responsibility to the Puyallup tribe seriously. The number to call: (360) 902-4111.

The Puyallup Tribe has also submitted formal requests for an SEIS of the entire project, citing huge safety and environmental concerns, backed up by independent reports on the inadequacy of the original document. Please sign this petition to stand in solidarity with the Puyallup nation and urge the City of Tacoma to take a more complete look at the impacts this project will have.

Gas: the most dangerous fossil fuel of all?
Did you know that fracked gas is just as climate-polluting as coal? Fracked gas expansion is the greatest fossil fuel threat to our region—and here in King County, we have a huge opportunity to stop it. Check out our latest blog post to learn more about how fracked gas threatens our region and what we can do about it.

What happens to the air and water in Tacoma affects our air and water in Seattle
Want to keep fossil fuel and heavy industry expansion at the port of Tacoma in check? Help stop projects like the LNG before they get started!

Can you hear us, PSE? You keep promising you’re going to hold an executive listening session this fall. Wouldn’t Tacoma be the ideal location? Click here to oh-so-politely nominate Tacoma.

And finally, have you ever wanted to spend an entire week day in a windowless room listening to Puget Sound Energy’s technical experts explain carbon pricing and where their fracked gas comes from? Well, have we got a meeting for you!

Yes, there will be a brief comment opportunity at the end of the day, but not until after all the gory details. Come watch technical stakeholders attempt to steer our state’s largest investor-owned utility toward a decarbonized electrical grid by 2039. More info here, and if online meeting access is provided, this event page will be updated with the details.

NECESSITY ON TRIAL

The trial of valve turners Emily Johnston, Annette Klapstein, and Ben Joldersma begins Monday, October 8th. They will argue their actions were necessary because of the total failure of ordinary political processes to prevent catastrophic climate change. Will the jury acquit? Find out this week! This page has links to social media with trial updates, information about the necessity defense, and how to sign up for email updates.

TRIAL OF THE CENTURY

The #youthvgov plaintiffs in Juliana v. United States allege that the U.S. government has knowingly violated their constitutional rights for over 50 years by contributing to climate change. On October 29 they will march into court—with America standing behind them—to demand a science-based National Climate Recovery Plan. This plan would end the reign of fossil fuels and require the United States government to do its part to stop dangerous climate change for young people and all future generations.

On October 16th, JPMorgan Chase will decide whether or not to renew a $1.48 billion loan to Enbridge Energy, the corporation trying to build Line 3 despite the fact that doing so would violate the treaty rights of the Ojibwe and our moral obligation to pass on a livable climate to future generations. To help send the message that JPMorgan Chase should dump Enbridge, we joined Honor the Earth, Rainforest Action Network, Sierra Club and 59 other organizations in sending this letter to Chase executives.

Later this week, we will be asking you to call and email Chase to make sure the message gets heard. If you want to make a call now, you can call Jamie Dimon’s office at: 212-270-1111.

If Chase decides to keep funding Enbridge, we intend to host a Customer’s Day of Action. If you are a JPMorgan Chase customer (large or small!) and would be interested in participating, please fill out this form and we’ll be in touch!

TRADE

Last week brought us Trump’s proposed new NAFTA—the United States Mexico Canada Agreement. Not sure how to pronounce the acronym—USMCA—but the deal, as expected, includes a myriad of terms harmful to climate. Sierra Club’s excellent summary can be found here.

Although the deal curtails some of the overreaching corporate rights in NAFTA’s “investor-state dispute settlement” (ISDS) system (which allows corporate legal challenges to local laws, using corporate non-governmental trade tribunals), it still offers those same egregious rights to all U.S. oil and gas corporations operating in Mexico. That means, for example, that Chevron and ExxonMobil—the two largest corporate climate polluters in history and repeat users of ISDS—could challenge environmental protections in Mexico by relying on the same broad corporate rights that they have used to successfully challenge public interest policies from Ecuador to Canada.

To get more involved fighting this new trade agreement, including attending Congressional office meetings, contact Selden.

AMAZON

Are you a shareholder of Amazon stock? Do you or someone you know work at Amazon? Because of its reliance on diesel delivery vehicles, Amazon has a particularly big carbon footprint and public health impact. But it could lead the industry on the shift to fossil-free transportation. Contact Rebecca to learn more about how we can push for science-based targets to reduce pollution.

CIVIC ACTION TEAM

We’re hearing that the Governor and some big green groups will be taking a new version of 100% Clean Energy back to the legislature next year. But will it have appropriate target dates and be aggressive enough?

If that’s a concern, or if you’re up for meeting with your state representatives or senator this fall to emphasize the need for strong climate policy, drop us a line!

STRONGER TOGETHER

Frontline Allies welcomes your participation in everything from organizing trainings on undoing racism and other oppressive systems, to supporting our allies in climate-related justice work. To join contact Kara; more information and links are available here. Our monthly meeting is the third Monday of every month. Please join us Monday, October 15 to hear more about our work and upcoming campaigns. If it is your first meeting, there is a new member orientation at 6:30 pm. The meeting begins at 7:00pm. RSVP to Kara for the address of a home in the Wallingford neighborhood.

Darigold Campaign Update
A group of us standing with Darigold workers and allies at the start of the Fast for Reconciliation on September 20th heard powerful stories from workers fired for calling attention to wage theft and sexual harassment. (Campaign details and action items here.) Outreach to retailers who purchase Darigold products alerting them to the worker abuse in their supply chain found that all were willing to listen except one: Starbucks. A company that claims to support ethical and fair treatment in their supply chain, Starbucks was unresponsive. The Darigold Campaign has a letter to Starbucks managers explaining the abuse workers are facing at Darigold member dairies. Can you bring a letter to your local Starbucks manager? There will be a coordinated campaign effort in early December, and an exciting action plan is in the works! Email Kara for a copy of the letter, or for updates on this campaign.

From our allies at NWDC Resistance
Those being held without due process at the Northwest Detention Center were required to shelter in place without protective equipment during a nearby e-waste fire that caused work stoppage at the port of Tacoma and evacuations or wearing of personal protective equipment for everyone downwind. This, and an outbreak of chicken pox that is not being properly handled, has caused extremely unsafe conditions in the detention center. Please sign this petition to tell local and state officials that ICE and the GEO Group need to be held accountable for their treatment of detainees.

Vote YES on I-940 and spread the word!
Last year, Washington had the fifth highest number of deaths from police use of force in the nation. Yes on 940 provides violence de-escalation and mental health crisis training to law enforcement officers across Washington. The focus on prevention and greater training (including first aid) will save lives and is good for the public and officers alike. This initiative, supported by a diverse array of community stakeholders, defines a good faith standard for use of deadly force and allows for fair and independent investigations when deadly force is used. For more information visit the De-escalate WA website, and this video from Sheriff Johanknecht. To help promote this important initiative, please contact Kara.

THE HOUSING CRISIS IS A CLIMATE CRISIS

The 350 Seattle Housing team continues to work in solidarity with many other pro-housing groups toward building more and greener housing here in the lower-commute, lower-carbon city.

Recent winsAn additional $165 million from King County for affordable housing (but in the same breath $135 million in corporate welfare for the Mariners).

A great resolution requiring surplus city land to be used for affordable housing or other public good was approved by full City Council on October 1st. This came out of CM Teresa Mosqueda’s office in consultation with many in the housing community, including us.

Coming up
The final EIS for the backyard cottage legislation found that making it easier to build Accessory Dwelling Units, aka backyard cottages and mother-in-law apartments, will make our neighborhoods greener and more affordable, without any of the dire negative consequences predicted by those who live in exclusive neighborhoods and want to keep it that way. This shouldn’t be a fight, but it’s gearing up to be a big one. Check out our letter to the Seattle Times, and this vituperative opposition letter to see why we need more voices to withdraw social license for opposition to affordable housing. Then write Alice to get added to our housing mailing list and hear about opportunities to make your voice heard.

HOUSING FORUM, OCTOBER 27

If we care about Seattle being a progressive, sustainable city, we need more housing, and more affordable housing—citywide, so our most vulnerable communities aren’t the only ones asked to support newcomers. How can we plan for density that’s equitable, and that makes our neighborhoods more vibrant, greener, and better able to support small business and frequent transit?

With Council Member Teresa Mosqueda and panelists from Got Green, Transit Riders Union, Sightline, King County Labor Council, and more. The future is coming. Who do we want to be?

FIGHTING FOR THE RIGHT OF WAY

Cars and trucks continue to be our city’s biggest source of carbon pollution. To solve this we must provide clean, affordable, and practical alternatives. 350 Seattle’s Transportation team is fighting to provide more right of way for transit, bikes, and pedestrians. We are WINNING some fights, but we need MORE PEOPLE to speak up, especially in coming weeks as the Budget works its way through City Council. Many of our local electeds want to improve pedestrian, bike and transit options, but they need community support to counter the vocal residents who think driving cars is the only way to get around. We need your voice, writing letters, speaking at council and other meetings, and helping create new campaigns that we can win. If you can help contact Andrew to join the Transportation mailing list. We meet the second Monday of every month at 4:15pm. Here are some other campaigns we’re involved in:

U-W transit passes
This one we won! In solidarity with UW Unions, TRU, and other community organizations, we helped get 100% employer-paid transit passes for UW workers starting July 1, 2019. Thanks to 350 Transpo folks who attended meetings and rallies, wrote letters, made signs, and let management know that this was the right thing for the planet as well as for employees.

Key Arena planning
The new Key Arena plans were based on the idea that people would continue to get to the arena primarily in private vehicles to 2035 and beyond. Little planning went into transit, pedestrian and bike routes to the Arena. We got into the fight late, but community outcry including ours won the addition of a Council Resolution requiring better monitoring of the transportation plan for the Arena, and more opportunities for community (that’s us!) and council input.

Phase out of gas powered cars
The Transportation Team and the Citizen Action Team (CAT) are partnering with Coltura and other groups to pass legislation that would require the State to plan and prepare for our vehicles becoming zero emission. The legislation would also require that all new vehicles bought for government fleets be zero emission by 2023 for cars, and 2026 for medium and heavy-duty vehicles. Finally, after 2035 all privately owned new cars registered in the State would be zero emission vehicles. Want to help? Contact Andrew.

ARTFUL ACTIVISM

We welcome all skill levels in any art form, and have lots going on to jump into, from occasional participation to leadership opportunities. Join online here or come to art builds whenever you can! They are fun, no skills needed, community gatherings with food and good connections.

Art Build!
We’ll be creating beautiful imagery for the Housing Forum, NO PSE-LNG public testimony and our fall fundraiser, Intertwined. We’ll also use the time to fix old banners and prep bamboo poles. So much art, so little time! All are welcome, no skills needed, please dress for mess.
Sunday, October 14, 1:00–6:00pm
Fremont Powerhouse, 3940 Fremont Ave N. Seattle 98103

Looking for a mural wall
We are still looking for a high visibility wall for a beautiful mural. Know of one? If you do or would like to paint bus shelters with young people, contact Doug.

Join the Deployment Team!
Ever wish you had a role during actions and events? Come learn crucial skills with us! We need you! Contact Shemona.

And if you’re a skilled artist (visual, theater, dance, music…) and want to apply your skill or show others how, please let us know! Contact Lisa.

READ DISCUSS ENGAGE

This month the 350 Seattle Book Club begins a new book, When They Call You a Terrorist, a Black Lives Matter Memoir, by Patrisse Khan-Cullors.

The conversation starts Wednesday, October 24, 6:00 to 7:30pm at a private home in Bothell. If you’d like to join us, please RSVP for the address.

Young scientists from around the world addressing scientific and environmental issues in their communities present their original scientific research at the largest convening of high school scientists on the planet. Trailer here.

Follow activist Ken Ward as he confronts his fears and puts himself in the direct path of the fossil fuel industry to combat climate change. If a crime is committed to prevent a greater crime, is it forgivable? Is it, in fact, necessary? Trailer here.

October is Workplace Giving month
Lots of places run workplace giving drives from October through the end of the year—Microsoft, Washington State, and more. If your workplace gives you an opportunity to donate through your paycheck, can you remember 350 Seattle? Or invite us in to speak or table during the drive. Our 501(c)3 tax ID is 46-4201865. Questions? Email info@350seattle.org.

Together we’re stronger. Come to INTERTWINED, a fundraising party for 350 Seattle, with all our wonderful supporters. There will be great company, dinner, auction items and SO MUCH MORE!Get your tickets now!